The ever-increasing frequency of domestic violence is prompting communities to take a long, hard look at their methods of dealing with the problem.

And in Southwestern Michigan, a Bermudian has been chosen to head a four-state task force.

Mrs. Mable C. Dunbar, director of Safe Shelter Inc. of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Douglas of Hamilton, Bermuda, was chosen director of a task force of men and women from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Mrs. Dunbar is a graduate of Andrews University with a Master's degree in counselling.

The task force is under the auspices of the Women's Commission of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church's Lake Union Conference, which has its headquarters in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Conference president Dr. Robert H.

Carter said: "All of us are appalled at the increase of violence in the world, especially in the home. I don't know whether that is what is affecting our young people, but it is surely is a contributing factor.

"I commend the commission for bringing this issue out in the open where we can deal with it.'' Mrs. Dunbar, who has taught in Bermuda's secondary school system, defines domestic violence as "the physical, emotional and psychological abuse that is inflicted by family members or intimate partners. Domestic violence is primarily directed at women, by men, as a means of maintaining power and control in the relationship.'' Mrs. Dunbar, who has also provided counselling for Bermudians with her minister husband, Dr. Colin Dunbar, said battering is a learned behaviour and inflicters are selective in choosing victims, methods, sites and times. She said women, whether they realise it or not, give men permission to batter them.

She said: "The reason men batter women is because they can. Many women feel it is a duty to be subservient.'' Assistant Berrien County Prosecutor Ms Margaret Penninger said of the task force: "I think it is great that you have formed this task force to help women. It is good to see women taking on tough issues that will benefit their community and their church.'' The task force will number about 20 people although the final figure has not been set. Initial efforts will be to increase pubic awareness of the problem.

There is likely to be a referral service and hot line so that women can be referred to others who can help them.